Not every path to recovery is for you.
I don’t know what you’re thinking, but if you’re reading this because you can relate to the topic, you’re right where you need to be.
Before we get into why not every guidance, advice, or recommendation is healthy for your healing journey, let’s start with the more important question: What are you trying to heal from? Heartbreak, childhood trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, or other issues related to physical and mental health.
It’s important to establish the fact that with mental health, one remedy may not work for two different people with similar mental health challenges. It doesn't mean they both won't recover, but each person’s challenge is unique, and every approach to healing and recovery is most effective when tailored to your specific situation.
For example, during the Real Talk weekly mental health community meetings, several listeners and speakers often have similar experiences relative to the topic of the day, but every individual benefits from the meeting differently, with different takeaways for their well-being.
When you want to heal and recover, most people won’t tell you that self-discovery is one of the goals of your healing and recovery journey. Therapy isn't designed to fix you but to reveal and teach you about yourself in the most enlightening ways so you can start healing from the inside out.
The challenge with following every piece of guidance, because it comes from a well-known professional, is that if you don't prioritize self-discovery, you'll most likely end up trying to do things the way your advisor did them, not how they apply to and benefit you.
Don't meet your heroes.
You are probably familiar with the quote above. I'm indifferent about it, but I'd rather not. The truth is that perfection is a misguided concept, as it is relative to the creator and observer. Who and what you consider perfect may differ from who and what another person finds perfect. Two truths can co-exist.
The point is, take every piece of advice with a pinch of salt, scan and filter, and decide if and what applies to you and your values.
Everyone needs help. We all need guidance to navigate this complex yet simple life. Hence, self-awareness.
Self-awareness will help you in every situation. It's that insight to know who you are, what you stand for, why you behave the way you do, how to respond to your behaviors and patterns, and ultimately prioritize your mental health and well-being.
Knowing yourself and embracing positive change can do wonders for your healing and recovery journey. You'd be shocked how you discover that what you thought was behind your depression is something else. How you begin to see your triggers and responses when you sit with your emotions, change when you embrace self-awareness.
When you receive guidance, you're in a better position to apply the necessary bits to your growth and development without becoming someone else you may not recognize later on.
As I wrap this up to go wrap up breakfast, remember that not every path to recovery will be useful for you, and that's okay. Keep an open mind, embrace self-discovery, and seek continuous growth to become better.
I'll see you in the comments and the space on Friday.
I completely agree with this. Not all advice is for you...the hard part is sorting through what works and what doesn't in your current context/situation.
Is 'work harder' good advice? Yes but not if you are already burnt out, working as hard as you can and haven't seen the light of day in a week. Context and situation matter.